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School is starting again soon for most students in the U.S. Whether you're the one heading to the classroom or you're sending your children back to school, putting your shopping expenses on the right credit cards can help you earn extra rewards or put cash back in your pocket along the way. This is money you need to spend, so you might as well get something for it.
Back-to-school expenses vary. Young kids need colored pencils and shoes to replace the ones they've outgrown, and college students might need a laptop and furniture for their campus dorm rooms. No two shopping lists will be the same, so we've rounded up a collection of credit cards that can help you boost your earnings across numerous types of expenses you might incur as you get ready for the classroom.
Page Contents
- Best Credit Cards for Online Shopping
- Best Credit Card for Shopping at Target
- Best Credit Cards for Amazon Purchases
- Best Credit Cards for Computer Purchases
- Best Credit Cards for School Supplies
- Best Credit Cards for Groceries
- Best Credit Cards for Protecting Your Purchases
- Best Credit Cards for Paying Rent
- Best Credit Cards for Sign-Up Bonuses
- Best Credit Card for Books and Everything Else
- Paying Tuition With a Credit Card
- Bottom Line
Best Credit Cards for Online Shopping
The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card allows you to choose two categories for earning 5% back each quarter, and you'll earn 5% back on up to $2,000 of spending in your chosen categories each month. Categories can include things like gyms and fast food but also clothing and department stores. Those are handy for your online purchases, as well.
- Earn a $200 bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible net purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
- 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in eligible net purchases each quarter on the two categories you choose, 5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Travel Center, 2% cash back on one everyday category (like gas or groceries), 1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases
- No annual fee
- 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in eligible net purchases each quarter on the two categories you choose
- 5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Travel Center
- 2% cash back on one everyday category (like gas or groceries)
- 1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases
Alternatively, consider these two cards:
- U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards™ Visa Signature® Card: Earn 6% cash back on your first $1,500 in combined eligible purchases each quarter with two retailers you choose and 3% cash back on your first $1,500 in eligible purchases on your choice of one everyday category (like wholesale clubs, gas and EV charging stations, bills, and utilities).
- Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express: Earn 3% cash back with U.S. online retailers (on up to $6,000 in annual purchases, then 1% back).
And if you're going to shop online, don't forget to click through a shopping portal, such as Rakuten, or one associated with your airline of choice. It's an easy way to earn extra cash back, points, or airline miles.
Related: Best Credit Cards for Online Shopping
Best Credit Card for Shopping at Target
The Target Circle™ Card has no annual fee and earns a 5% discount on eligible Target purchases when you pay with your card. The discount doesn't apply to prescriptions or gift cards but does apply to things like school supplies and decorations for your dorm room.
Best Credit Cards for Amazon Purchases
With the Prime Visa, you'll earn 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership, plus 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare).
- Get a $150 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members
- Earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership
- Prime Card Bonus: Earn 10% back or more on a rotating selection of items and categories on Amazon.com with an eligible Prime membership
- Earn unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare)
- Earn unlimited 1% back on all other purchases
- No annual credit card fee
- No more waiting. Redeem daily rewards at Amazon.com as soon as the next day
- Member FDIC
- Rates & Fees
- Unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership
- Unlimited 2% back on local transit and commuting (including rideshare)
- Unlimited 2% back at restaurants and at gas stations
- Unlimited 1% back on all other purchases
However, if you aren't a Prime member, consider these other cards:
- Amazon Visa: Earn 3% back at Amazon and Whole Foods Market.
- U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards™ Visa Signature® Card: Earn 6% cash back on your first $1,500 in combined eligible purchases each quarter with two retailers you choose and 3% cash back on your first $1,500 in eligible purchases on your choice of one everyday category (like wholesale clubs, gas and EV charging stations, bills, and utilities).
- Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express: Earn 3% cash back with U.S. online retailers (on up to $6,000 in annual purchases, then 1% back).
Best Credit Cards for Computer Purchases
This will depend on what you're buying and where you're buying it.
- If you're buying from Apple, the Apple Card provides 3% daily cash back on purchases of Apple products directly from Apple.
- If you're buying online, use our recommendations for Amazon and online shopping.
- If you're buying from another major chain (like Best Buy or Costco), see our recommendations for the best cards for everything else.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express also offers up to $400 in annual statement credits for Dell purchases. This could defray the cost of a new computer or other technology you need for the upcoming school year. Enrollment is required for select Amex benefits.
- Limited Time Travel Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your Business Platinum Card® within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Plus, earn a $500 statement credit after you spend $2,500 on qualifying flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel with your Business Platinum Card® within the first 3 months of Card Membership. You can earn one or both of these offers. Offer ends 6/30/25.
- The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market as of 10/2024.
- Unlock over $1,000 in statement credits on select purchases, including tech, recruiting and wireless in the first year of membership with the Business Platinum Card®. Enrollment required.
- Fly like a pro with a $200 Airline Fee Credit. Select one qualifying airline to receive up to $200 back per year on baggage fees and other incidentals.
- NEW! Make the Business Platinum Card® work even harder for you. Hilton For Business members get up to $200 back per calendar year when you make an eligible purchase at Hilton properties across the globe. Benefit enrollment required.
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points for flights, prepaid hotels, and short-term rentals and prepaid flight + hotel packages booked at AmexTravel.com. 1X points on other eligible purchases.
- Earn 1.5X points (that's an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more, on up to $2 million per Card Account per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
- $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use the Business Platinum Card®.
- $695 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- Rates & Fees
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com.
- Earn 1.5X Membership Rewards® points on each eligible purchase of $5,000 or more.
- Earn 1.5X Membership Rewards® points on each eligible purchase with U.S. construction material and hardware suppliers.
- Earn 1.5X Membership Rewards® points on each eligible purchase with U.S. electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers.
- Earn 1.5X Membership Rewards® points on each eligible purchase with U.S. shipping providers.
- 1.5X earning rates are subject to a cap of $2 million in purchases per calendar year.
Best Credit Cards for School Supplies
You can buy school supplies in multiple places. If you buy them from a store like Staples or Office Max, which are classified as “office supply stores” on your credit card bill, we recommend the Ink Cash card for the ability to earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services each account anniversary year.
- Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening
- Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
- Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- No Annual Fee
- Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
- Member FDIC
- Rates & Fees
- 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
- 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year
- 1% cash back on all other card purchases with no limit to the amount you can earn
If you don't qualify for a business credit card, consider these alternatives:
- Use your card with the best rate of return on “other spending.” You can find recommendations in the “everything else” section below.
- If you're buying school supplies at a supermarket, see the groceries section below.
Related: Best Credit Cards for Office Supplies
Best Credit Cards for Groceries
With the American Express® Gold Card, you'll earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X). Most supermarkets also offer a school supplies section these days, so this provides a great return when stocking up your fridge and on supplies for the classroom.
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That's up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made at restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- Rates & Fees
- 4X Membership Rewards® Points at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. (on up to $50,000 per year in purchases, then 1X)
- 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X)
- 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com
- 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotels and other eligible travel booked on amextravel.com
- 1X on other eligible purchases
Other cards to consider include:
- Citi Strata Premier℠ Card: Earn 3 Points per $1 spent on Supermarkets.
- Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Earn 6% at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%). Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout..
- Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card: Earn 3% Cash Back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services
- Instacart Mastercard®: Earn 5% cash back on Instacart app and Instacart.com purchases, and on Chase Travel purchases.
Related: Best Credit Cards for Groceries and Supermarkets
Best Credit Cards for Protecting Your Purchases
If you're purchasing expensive items like computers, tablets, or furniture for your new apartment, you should protect your purchases. Buying them with the right credit card can invoke two important insurance benefits:
- Purchase protection: This benefit covers damage or theft of items you recently purchased with a credit card offering this perk. Coverage is usually for 90 or 120 days, and each individual card will have limits to the coverage amount. These are the best credit cards for purchase protection.
- Extended warranty: This benefit adds an extra year onto a manufacturer's warranty, extending coverage on things like laptops, printers, phones, and other expensive items you care about protecting. These are the best credit cards for extended warranty benefits.
Best Credit Cards for Paying Rent
If you're heading off to school and living off campus, you'll have rent to pay. We have this guide to paying rent with a credit card via bill pay services, but here's a summary of our discussion:
- Evaluate the fees: Unless your landlord specifically accepts credit card payments without fees, you'll typically pay a fee for using a credit card on monthly rent payments. This fee might be worth it if you're earning more rewards than the cost of the fee.
- Avoiding fees: The exception is The Bilt Mastercard®. The card's annual fee is $0 (Rates & Fees), and you also won't pay convenience fees when making rent payments on this card. However, you need to make five transactions per month on the card to earn points on purchases, and there are annual limits to how many points you can earn from rent payments (though the limit is far above what most people spend on rent each year).
- 3x points on dining
- 2x points on travel
- 1x points on rent payments without the transaction fee (up to 100,000 points each calendar year)
- 1x points on other purchases
Best Credit Cards for Sign-Up Bonuses
When you're working on your back-to-school shopping list, this could be an ideal time to earn a new bonus from a credit card or credit cards. Purchasing a new laptop or bedding for your dorm room could help you earn several hundred dollars of cash back or tens of thousands of points from a welcome bonus. Here are the best credit card welcome bonuses available this month.
Best Credit Card for Books and Everything Else
There will be purchases that don't fall neatly into the categories above. You'll need to shop at Walmart, the on-campus bookstore, or a local hardware store. For these purchases, use the best credit card for everyday purchases.
Paying Tuition With a Credit Card
While it's not part of your back-to-school shopping, you might be wondering if using credit cards for tuition is possible. Many schools allow this, but you should consider a few things first. Will you pay off your bill entirely, or will you need time? The interest accruing on your credit card might negate any value from the rewards you earn along the way.
Additionally, consider whether your school (or your child's school) charges fees for credit card payments. If so, that might cost more than what the rewards are worth. Earning a large sign-up bonus from this semester's tuition payments (or several bonuses if you're making multiple payments!) might be the only time the fees are worth it. Ensure you do the math.
Bottom Line
No two students have the same back-to-school shopping lists, but every family can benefit from using the right credit cards for these purchases. Depending on what's in your wallet, you can earn extra points and miles to fund future travels or put extra cash back in your pocket.
Now could be a great time to earn a sign-up bonus on a new credit card, as well. Heading back to school can involve significant expenses; with a little planning, you can maximize rewards along the way.
For rates and fees of the cards mentioned in this post, please visit the following links: Prime Visa (Rates & Fees), The Business Platinum Card® from American Express (Rates & Fees), Ink Business Cash® Credit Card (Rates & Fees), and American Express® Gold Card (Rates & Fees)
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